Construction
We advise on all aspects of construction projects and infrastructure development throughout the MENA region. Our clients range from government entities and private developers to EPC contractors, general contractors, specialty subcontractors and design professionals.
Corporate
We provide practical guidance and advice on corporate and commercial law throughout the MENA region:
- Corporate formation and maintenance – Throughout all of our MENA offices, we assist clients with company and branch formation, domestically and in free zones, and ongoing business needs including corporate governance, compliance and employment needs.
- Joint ventures – Foreign ownership restrictions in many MENA jurisdictions often incline international clients toward a joint venture structure involving a local partner. We frequently assist in structuring and establishing collaborations involving traditional corporate joint ventures, partnerships, contractual joint ventures and other strategic alliances.
- Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) – We offer a full spectrum of M&A services from our professionals trained in global financial centers such as New York and London. We have extensive experience across MENA, advising on local and cross-border corporate transactions, for buyers and sellers of private and public companies, and for strategic and financial investors.
Dispute Resolution
Disputes involving multinationals and multiple jurisdictions can present complex challenges, requiring a thorough understanding and familiarity with governing laws and rules. Our arbitration experience includes handling matters before the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), the Abu Dhabi Commercial Conciliation & Arbitration Centre (ADCCAC), the Gulf Co-operation Council Commercial Arbitration Centre (GCCAC), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), the DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre and the American Arbitration Association (AAA and ICDR). Further we regularly appear in the DIFC Courts and have close relationships with seasoned local advocates for matters in other UAE courts.
Global Regulations and Policy
For more than 50 years, sovereign nations and international companies confronting problems in world capitals have looked to us as a trusted adviser in achieving their strategic objectives when navigating various legislative systems and regulatory frameworks whether in Washington DC, Brussels or elsewhere. Owing to our skill and discretion, as well as our reputation for conducting public policy advocacy in compliance with applicable laws and ethics rules, we are recognized as one of the world’s most influential law firms.
Hospitality and Tourism
Our MENA hospitality team combines the strengths of preeminent hospitality and leisure experts with experienced transactional lawyers. With a broad experience of negotiating and managing the legal and business issues in project development plans, we support the full range of challenges and opportunities hotel owners and operators face. We are also heavily involved in the tourism sector and offer legal, regulatory and legislative advice to several prominent clients in MENA and around the world.
Projects
We have a raft of experience assisting governments, project sponsors, financial advisers, investment banks, commercial banks, export credit agencies and multilateral financial institutions. You can rely on us to develop efficient, sophisticated solutions to the challenges and issues that are shaping our transport, health, education, social, power and water sectors.
Real Estate
We provide a full range of real estate advice including property acquisitions and dispositions, development and construction, litigation and dispute resolution, zoning and land use planning, financing, real estate investment trusts (REITs), commercial landlord/tenant matters, management and franchise agreements, restructuring, workouts, foreclosures, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights and transactional tax planning.
Sovereign and Other Institutional Investors
We offer astute advice for a myriad of investors, from family offices and high net worth individuals to sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and foundations. Our team represents institutional investors in investment types such as private fund investments and co-investments, real estate investments, global infrastructure investments, direct investments in debt and equity, global custodian and securities lending contracts, and investment management arrangements relating to equity securities, debt instruments, derivatives and commodities.
